Where I'm From

I am from the Valley sun

That beats upon

Grandpa’s roses

I am from the watermelon

Oranges, grapefruits, lemon

I am from the tall grass,

To cool cement, to wood

That creaks as I run

I am from the long days

And grandma’s tortillas to

Saturday nights I fell

Unconscious to Tio’s stories

I am from dad’s hard work

With loving rough hands

I am from mom’s long talks,

Long walks on warm sand

I’m from listening to

Bible readings to the catechist

I’m from road trips

All over the nation

To see my dad’s family

I’m from the weekends

Spent with laughs,

Talk, and shopping bags

I’m from the long hours

Spent teaching and guiding

My sister as I have seen

From greater sisters

I’m from the support of

Family and friends

That came and went

I’m from the words,

The lines, the colors,

The stitches, the keys

I’m from the walking barks,

Whistling feathers, purring fur

I’m from grilling meat

And batter baking

I’m from the tears,

The talk, the laughs,

The jokes, the hugs

Of my best friends

The table stands in the corner

Covered, plastered with

The smiles and tears

Captured by snaps and flashes

The past forever there

Reminding me that

That is what made me

Where I’m from